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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Austin shared this essay he wrote for school, with me. It made me cry.

Renaissance Person of the YearAustin Meehan

I believe that there are many characteristics that a modern day man or women would need to be considered a renaissance person of the year. A renaissance person needs to be well rounded and have great qualities to make up an ideal role model for others in today’s society. This modern day renaissance person would need to be honest, smart, hopeful, caring, trusting, hardworking and strong on the inside. I believe that my mom has all of the characteristics needed to be a modern day renaissance person, so I nominate her.

My mom is very honest and at times this can be extremely difficult. She can tell the truth even when it hurts. I remember one time when my mom was feeling down, so I asked what was wrong. Instead of saying nothing was wrong like most parents would do, she told me what was making her feel that way and what I could do to help so that things would eventually be better. Unlike other parents, she doesn’t just glaze over her children’s work; instead she not only tells us what can be improved, but she helps us get it to that stage.

My mom is very trusting and smart. I can tell her anything or any of my problems and she will be able to understand them and tell me what to do if I want to fix them. Many of my friends have told me they have a bad relationship between with their parents. They aren’t able to talk to their parents without their parents being disappointed or not knowing what to do or say. My mom understands me and shares her own experiences so we can relate to each other.

A modern renaissance person of the year would need to be hardworking and strong to achieve that award. My mom stays up for hours into the night writing her blog and humor books that inspire thousands of parents to enjoy their kids and see the lighter side of life while being a mom to me and my five siblings. She works hard to make enough money for us because my parents are divorced and my dad isn’t reliable with child support. Even with all these stressors and factors working against her, she is still able to keep calm and make it through without help. She does everything she can to make life for us better while still being there for us as a caring mom.

There are few, if any, modern day men and women that meet the requirements for the renaissance person of the year, but I agree completely that my mom is one of the few that deserves it. She is honest, trusting, hardworking and everything in-between. She is what makes life for my siblings and me great; she’s the well rounded renaissance women of our society.

Oh my god. That made ME cry. You must be swimming in a river of tears! I don't know who you should be more proud of: Austin... or yourself.

Right there in that letter is everything I hope to one day be in a parent... And everything I one day hope to have in a child. Thank you so much for sharing. As per usual, you are an inspiration. Oprah is great... But Dawn is awesome ;)

Thanks for sharing abt your life, problems and so forth. I especially like it when you show how you can look at things the positive way and not the negative. I'm a parent myself and I know how difficult it is. But you are so positive and funny and inspiring!

Got it in one Austin. I agree with ya mate. 100%Winner of the Renaissance Person of the year for 2011 (and every year there-after until we say so) Dawn Damalas Meehan!!!*crowd goes wild* Belinda in Brisbane Australia

This one made me cry, too. Keep this close to you and read it often, especially when you think you aren't making a difference. There's your proof. I have a child with Asperger's syndrome. Hearing that I am a good parent from him is worth it's weight in gold. You should be fiercely proud of the job you are doing!!!

OH my God Dawn! THAT is amazing & SO true!! Please tell Austin what a fantastic job he did. You need to frame that essay and refer back to it when life weighs heavy on your shoulders. Your children DO appreciate all that you're doing. They get it!Now I'm going to wipe my tears!

What an amazing tribute to an amazing woman. Dawn, I know you are going through some really hard things, but girl, you are getting the main things right. Your relationships with your children are some of your greatest blessings. What an amazing son! Well said, Austin!

How sweet! It just goes to show how good things come to those who do their best and also make sacrifices of their own for the sake of others. I know you hear this all the time, but you truly are an inspiration. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing Austin's piece of writing.

I wrote a compare/contrast essay in college about my dad: before he knew Jesus and after he knew Jesus and how different he was. I showed it to him, he cried and I never saw it again because he filed it away somewhere.

This is such a wonderful note. You must be so proud. This is the best gift for all the hard work you have put in for the past year. You really deserved it!You know what got me the most - the part where he says that you not only listen to him but also know what to say. I have a kindergartner, and he stumps me with his questions about the things he is discovering... especially the small ugly things that I have tried to shield him from till now. And at times, I really don't know how to respond. I definitely miss the times when a kiss would fix everything, and answers weren't needed :)And yes, very well written piece Austin!

Dawn, I know you've got to be overloaded with emails, etc. I sent Brooklyn a children's book my daughter had written. (The Wind and the Blows). It was before you announced your ex had been fired. Do you actually have time to go through all your mail? I was just wondering if she got it and if so, did she like it? Thanks so much!

Austin you did a wonderful job! I submitted a university level essay today and I don't think it was even written that well. Good job.And Dawn? Every word of it was exactly true. You've got a wonderful son there. :)

big ups to you for being an awesome mom, and him for being an awesome kid! I cant imagine how proud you are right now! Everything he wrote is so true. Especially how your work inspires parents to look at the humor of life and enjoy their children. Its amazing that he sees the value in that at such a young age. You are an amazing family!

It is east to see from that this kid has inherrited his moms perception of the surroundings.To have this abillity to look at his surroundings, interpret it, and put it down in text tekla me he is a betyder intelligent young man.

And i congratulate you to have done such a great job with your children.

I hope this makes you feel so good! I know times are hard, but how quickly does all that melt away when your son writes something like this? Austin sounds like a great kid, and great kids don't get that way by themselves. You are a great mom who has to make difficult decesions, but isn't it all worth it?!! Best wishes to all of you!

WOW! Now that is A-Maz-ing!!!! GO AUSTIN!!!! That is so terrific...speaks volumes about what kind of mother you are...when the child welfare or DSS or whoever worker lady comes, just hand her the essay...she will shed a few tears and be on her way!

I cried too!! This says so much about who you are and how you parent and how your children will turn out as adults. In fact, they are probably more adult now than most people who are out there voting, drinking and reproducing.

That in a nutshell is why you are sooooo loved! Your son said it all, and how amazing that he realizes this! See, you ARE doing a fantastic job with your children. Keep it up Dawn, and thanks too for the warning that it made you cry. I made sure I had my tissues out before reading!

Dawn, that's a very sweet and well-expressed essay. Has Austin started thinking about college yet? I ask because I have worked in admissions at a top-tier university, and based on what I've seen, it looks like he has a lot of potential. It may seem soon (he's a sophomore, right?), but it's not—now would be the time to get started with standardized tests & such. And don't worry about the cost yet—a lot of schools these days have great aid programs. In fact, the better the school, the more likely he can get a free ride.

For once I am speechlees! This brought tears to my eyes. Everything your family has been through this past year has made you all stronger and Austin is a shining example of what a great job you are doing. ♥ you all!

Wow. Just wow. When things get rough Dawn, just read this and know that you are doing everything right, and you are doing a beautiful job raising six wonderful amazing children. You should be so proud. He's awesome. Remember how awesome your kids are through these tough times. Love you!